Irish smoking ban "dramatically" boosts health

"Dramatic" health benefits have been seen in bar workers in the wake of Ireland's ban on smoking in public places.

New research found that the ban, introduced in March 2004, has resulted in an 83 per cent reduction in air pollution in pubs and an 80 per cent reduction in airborne carcinogens for patrons and staff.

Bar workers' respiratory health has improved as a result, the researchers write in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

A team from the Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society in Dublin (RITFS) examined the effect of the ban on environmental tobacco smoke exposure in 42 pubs in Dublin and among 73 male staff members, who were tested before and after the ban.

The results found a 99 per cent decrease in exposure to tobacco smoke (40 hours down to 25 minutes) and an 83 per cent reduction in tiny particles in bar air.

MOST POPULAR

Tests of lung function showed an improvement in non smoking barmen after the ban and the workers reported reductions in health problems.

"These results confirm that the approach of a total ban on smoking in the workplace is successful in reducing the exposure of workers to particles," said Dr Luke Clancy, director of the RITFS.

In the UK Welsh workplaces went smokefree on April 2nd following on from Scotland in March last year.

Northern Ireland's public places will be smokefree from April 30th this year while England will introduce a smoking ban on July 1st.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.